Another Successful Red Sea Sharks Workshop

Following the success of our first Red Sea Sharks workshop in 2014 in conjunction with the Red Sea Sharks Trust, we held a second workshop at the beginning of November 2015 and it certainly did not disappoint.

The workshop consisted of 3 evening presentations, given by Dr Elke Bojanowski of the Red Sea Sharks Trust, and 6 dives in Elphinstone Reef specifically with the aim of spending time with sharks in their natural environment. The timing of the workshop was chosen to coincide with the usual season for Oceanic White Tip sharks (Longimanus) in Elphinstone Reef.

The three presentations covered the following topics:

- Introduction to Red Sea Sharks, their biology, how to identify and dive with them

- Shark behaviour and interactions with humans

- Shark conservation & research

During all 6 dives in Elphinstone, guests had the privilege of diving with Oceanic White Tip Sharks (sometimes up to three on one dive!).

Some guests had joined the workshop to conquer their fear of sharks, and by the end felt completely comfortable and excited to be up close and personal with the Oceanic White Tips. Other guests were photographers hoping to spend extended time in the water with the sharks to have the best chance of excellent photos. The rest just enjoy being with sharks in their natural environment. All guests went away from the workshop having learnt about the biology and conservation of sharks, and also how to get the most out of diving with them.

Red Sea Diving Safari has been supporting the work of the Red Sea Sharks Trust for the last few years by holding these workshops and by encouraging guests to submit sightings photos and information to their database which has been running since 2004.